Taking care of your aging parent can be overwhelming, especially if you’re the sole caregiver. Most older adults prefer to be independent and refuse to get help even in challenging situations. If you’re the primary caregiver of your senior parent, here are five tips to make this journey a more positive and memorable experience for you and your elderly loved one.
Evaluate Your Parent’s Condition and Needs
Caring for a senior parent can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure of what they need. Aside from asking your elderly loved one directly, consult with their doctor and observe your parent’s daily routine.
Can they still easily move around without assistance? Are they having difficulty eating, bathing, or performing other essential life tasks? Understanding your aging parent’s needs, strengths, and limitations can help you determine the type and level of support that they need to live out their golden years comfortably.
Explore Care Options
Since you already know your parent’s needs and required level of care, the next step is to explore aging care options. If your senior loved one prefers to stay at home, hiring a professional caregiver who provides in-home assistance would be best.
Alternatively, if your aging parent can no longer live independently, move them to a reputable assisted living community such as Longhouse. Weigh the pros and cons of all available aging care options and choose the one that best suits their health condition and living preferences.
Prioritize Safety
Safety is integral for senior adults, especially when living at home. If your parent currently lives at home, you must make it safe and secure to prevent accidents. Senior adults are prone to falls, so make sure to take the necessary home safety adjustments and address every potential safety threat to lessen your aging parent’s fall risks.
Inspect your parent’s home thoroughly and focus on areas they usually frequent. Install railings and grab bars in the bathrooms and place non-slip mats. Ensure that their hallways and floors are clutter-free and have sufficient lighting. Check if their appliances and devices are functioning correctly and easily accessible.
Communicate With Your Senior Parent
Many older adults hesitate to live in senior living facilities for fear of losing their independence. No matter how frail or old your parents are, remember to involve them in the process. Never force them into a situation they’re uncomfortable with or expect that they will readily accept your help.
Be respectful when communicating your intentions and listen to their sentiments with an open mind.
Elicit Support
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging, so having a solid support system is crucial. Reach out to other relatives and make a plan to share the responsibility. If no family members are nearby or willing to help, find support groups dedicated to family caregiving. Connecting with individuals on the same journey can make this meaningful endeavor less lonely and more manageable.
Endnote
While caring for your aging parent can be challenging, it is also one of the best things you can do for them. Take note of these valuable pointers, remain positive, and seek help when necessary.
Ben Austin is the founder and CEO of multi-award-winning digital marketing agency Absolute Digital Media. Ben loves to write and share exclusive insights into the world of digital marketing from his own eyes.
